project details

project description

The refurbishment of St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford by a GEM Construction and Purcell Construction Joint Venture is expected to create up to 150 jobs and should be completed in time for Christmas Eve mass in 2014.

The Cathedral was gutted by a fire which broke out on Christmas Eve in 2009. The fire destroyed the roof, much of the interior and burned into Christmas day.

Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Colm O’Reilly, today signed contracts for the project with Longford based GEM Construction and Galway based Purcell Construction Joint Venture Partners, who together will restore the Cathedral.

“After all of the planning and design, it is particularly pleasing to have arrived at the stage of having contractors on site so that we will now begin to see the great effort of the past few years bearing fruit,” he said.

“I thank everyone for their patience and understanding since the terrible fire, and, at this time, I seek your continued prayers and support as we undertake the rebuilding works to restore Saint Mel’s Cathedral.”